Mystic, Connecticut without a Car?

[Anonymous]

Has anyone done this? DH and I were thinking of taking the kids (4 and 1 y.o) up to Mystic, CT on the train this summer, but we are a little concerned that once we get there, we will need to rent a car. We'd like to avoid that if we can.

If you've been to Mystic, does taking the train up and being car-free for the duration of the vacation sound possible?

If not, any other suggestions for destinations we can get to by train?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

How long are you planning to be there? Where will you stay, and what do you want to do besides Seaport and town? The town is walking-friendly but there isn't much else besides the Seaport. I can't imagine being there for more than 48 hours without a car...honestly, I'm having trouble envisioning being there without a car in general. But I've always done Mystic as a day trip (when living in NY).

Essex, CT makes a nice weekend trip too. I'd probably want a car there too, though, and I think Mystic is more kid-friendly.

Can you get to Newport, RI by train? I remember planning a trip with girlfriends about ten years ago and I think there was a train/bus option.

Personally, if I were going to travel with two small children by train, I don't think I'd want to go much further than NYC. If NYC doesnt appeal, What about Philadelphia? Lots to do, definitely don't need a car while you're there.

[Anonymous]

I live in Mystic & would suggest renting a car. The seaport & aquarium are great for kids, the drawbridge area is nice as well. If you have a car then you can explore beaches, hiking trails, etc as well. Mystic is doable without a car but you'd be in for major walks and limited to just the town.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PPs. I grew up in Mystic, and I think you will need a car.

[Anonymous]

Yes, you need a car.

[Anonymous]

OP here -
Thanks, all, for your responses! I really appreciate your input.
I'll look into car rentals. In the meantime, if anyone has any other suggestions for destinations we can reach by train and then NOT need a car when we get there, I'd really appreciate them! (Both NYC and Philly are great, but we're not really looking for a city vacation - which is why finding a car free destination is tricky!)

Thanks again! I appreciate all suggestions - keep them coming!

[Anonymous]

This is 20:58. Just checked the Amtrak Northeast Regional stations and there are shuttle/van connections to both Newport, RI and the Martha's Vineyard shuttle. You'd be fine in either location without a car.

I know you said no city vacations but what about Charleston or Savannah? I've never been to either but they seem a little more vacation-y to me than NY/Philly.

Only other suggestion I have after looking at their routes is Virginia Beach, unless you want to go as far as FL

[Anonymous]

Would not recommend the Newport by train/bus it is a longer bus ride than you think. If your kids are older-maybe. Still I am a NE-ander and I wouldn't do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree with PPs. I grew up in Mystic, and I think you will need a car.

Me, too! And yes. You need a car.

[Anonymous]

You need a car. I lived there for 5 yrs. Hard to get around without one. There is a lot to do with kids in the area, but you need a car to get around. Great beaches in Groton Long Point, Misquamicut Beach RI, the Nautilis sub in Groton. Take the ferry out to Block Island. Plenty to keep you and them happy. But you need a car.

Harkness Park. Gilette Castle.

I'll think of more, I'm sure.....

[Anonymous]

We did Mystic with a 4 and 1 yo (and a car). The kids were sick, which colors my perspective, but there wasn't much there for them. The historic stuff went over their heads and there was a lot of walking for not much payoff. I had been there before and liked it, but it seemed dated and hokey. FWIW, we enjoyed Baltimore's Inner Harbor more.

I am a frequent Amtrak rider and am having a hard time thinking of any non-city place you could go where you'd be ok without a car.

[Anonymous]

I would head south to Savannah. You can take the sleeper car. It leaves Union Station (also Alexandria) in time to have dinner in the dining car and then go to bed. You're in Savannah when you wake up in the morning.

That said, my son LOVES Mystic, but then again he's really into boats. He loved the sunset sail, which leaves right from the middle of town. We had a car when we were there, but my recollection is that we stayed right in town (the old white inn by the bridge -- I'm drawing a blank on its name), and walked to the Seaport. If your four year old is a good walker, it's completely doable. We went to restaurants near the inn, got ice cream, took a ride on the sailboat, etc. I don't think we moved the care while we were there, but we were only there two days. Any longer than that, and you might get bored.